Georgia Senate Passes Antisemitism Definition Bill Amid Free-Speech Concerns

The bill, which adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism, is part of a nationwide trend of similar legislation.

The Georgia Senate has passed a bill to define antisemitism in state law, with the measure now on track for final passage.
The bill has been met with opposition from some lawmakers who fear it could be used to censor free speech rights.
Supporters argue that the legislation is about safeguarding the dignity and safety of Jewish individuals, and will only come into play after a crime has been committed.
The definition put forward by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which the bill adopts, is expected to aid prosecutors and officials in identifying hate crimes and illegal discrimination targeting Jewish people.
The bill's passage comes amid an upsurge of similar legislation in at least eight states nationwide, partly motivated by the Israel-Hamas war.